Rafael Jovet-Ramos - Moving to the Next Level of Martial Arts

By rafaeljovetramos
24 / Aug / 2016

As a martial arts professional instructor for more than 15 years, Rafael Jovet-Ramos has trained numerous students in multiple martial arts disciplines, including jiu-jitsu, judo, and taekwondo. He has been recognized on a number of occasions by various martial arts governing organizations for excellence, which comes down to his ability to help students master martial arts and advance their skills.

Progressing to the next level of any skill, let alone martial arts, requires a student to understand some principles. Some of these are described below.

Understand the fundamental techniques

The basic level of martial arts aims to teach students the fundamentals of movement, technique, controlling emotions, and other aspects of martial arts. Take jiu-jitsu, for example, where students are introduced to the mat and are showed how to get comfortable with ground techniques and mat fitness. The basics might seem repetitive at times, but subsequent levels of skill typically borrow from the basic techniques.

As a student, acquiring the fundamental techniques for each stance/position is very important for growth. Every time you step onto the mat, you need to learn the various positions and have a solid understanding of each technique.

Focus on good mechanics

Executing a martial arts move requires good mechanics, which is a function of movement and control. You can understand how a technique works, but executing it well requires you to focus on implementing the right mechanics for the technique.

Executing the grappling techniques in jiu-jitsu, for example, boil down to how well you can transition between positions and control your movement. With the correct mechanics, these moves can seem almost effortless. Physical fitness is required in any discussion about mechanics, as it helps you with balance and flexibility.

Uncover other alternatives

After months of focusing on the fundamental techniques, students will have at least experimented with one alternative from all the main positions. In ground positions, for example, students can use their techniques as opposed to relying purely on strength.

One of the good things about martial arts is that there are numerous variations of techniques in any art. This variety enables students to explore and find a technique that suits their style. The guard position has so many variations that a student who has mastered the fundamentals can apply as they develop.

Experienced martial arts practitioners like Rafael Jovet-Ramos know that growth takes time, and this process can be an appealing one when one is dedicated to implementing these principles.